Buick Encore

Importing a used Buick Encore from the USA

The Buick Encore is a subcompact luxury-flavoured crossover that sold in big numbers across the United States, so used examples are plentiful and easy to source. As an independent broker, USCar Trader imports used Encores on your behalf without adding a vehicle margin. It is worth knowing up front that the Encore is not an American-built car: it rolled off GM lines in South Korea (and, for some markets, China), which directly affects the customs rate. If your priority is a small, quiet, well-trimmed city crossover with a proven turbo four, the Encore is a practical import candidate. Here is what you need to know before you import a used Buick Encore from the USA.

Model history and generations

The first-generation Encore ran from the 2013 model year through 2022 in the US. It shares its bones with the Opel/Vauxhall Mokka and Chevrolet Trax, a Gamma II small-car platform. A significant refresh for 2017 sharpened the styling, upgraded the interior materials and added the 8-inch IntelliLink touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Note the naming carefully: the Encore GX, launched for 2020, is a separate and larger model on a newer platform sold alongside the original Encore. For most used imports you will be looking at the compact original Encore, ideally a 2017-or-later car for the better cabin technology.

Engines and drivetrain

The Encore is a four-cylinder turbo car throughout. The core engine is GM's 1.4-litre Ecotec turbo, initially the LUJ/LUV at around 138 hp and 200 Nm, later the updated LE2 unit. From the 2016-2017 refresh, Sport Touring trims offered a higher-boost version of the 1.4 turbo rated near 153 hp for noticeably livelier response. All variants use a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, with an on-demand all-wheel-drive option that is useful in winter but not intended for serious off-road work. This is a modest but willing drivetrain suited to town and commuting rather than autobahn cruising.

Which trim makes sense

The Encore is a five-door, five-seat crossover only. US trims typically run base, Preferred, Sport Touring, Essence and Premium. Higher trims add leather, heated seats and steering wheel, a Bose audio system, blind-spot monitoring and rear park assist. American Encores are often generously equipped for a car of this size, which is part of the appeal when importing.

Supply on the US market

Availability is very good. The Encore was a strong seller for Buick, so the used pool is large and geographically spread. Typical import candidates are four- to nine-year-old cars, many with modest mileage from suburban owners. As always, prefer cars from dry southern and western states to avoid underbody corrosion. Interiors tend to hold up well; check the touchscreen and the turbo's service record closely.

Who benefits from importing

The Encore suits a buyer who wants a compact, comfortable, quietly upmarket crossover and does not need strong performance. It is easy to park, economical enough with the 1.4 turbo and pleasantly insulated for its class. If you want the extra space and newer platform, look at the Encore GX instead; if the compact footprint appeals, the original Encore is the one to import.

Technical data

Known weak points and maintenance

The Encore is generally dependable, but the 1.4 turbo Ecotec has a few known weak points worth checking on any used Buick Encore. The most common are timing chain wear on higher-mileage early engines, water-pump and coolant-system leaks, and PCV/intake issues that can throw check-engine lights. Some owners report turbo wastegate rattle. The six-speed automatic is robust if serviced. Inside, watch for IntelliLink touchscreen freezes and the occasional infotainment reboot. On AWD cars, confirm the rear coupling has been maintained. As with any turbo engine, evidence of regular oil changes with the correct dexos specification is the single best reassurance.

US and EU spec compared

Because the Encore was also sold in Europe as the Opel Mokka, parts and familiarity are good. US cars differ in lighting (often no rear fog lamp, US beam pattern), MPH instruments, and US-market infotainment and radio bands. These are the items the TUEV will focus on during individual approval, and they are straightforward to address.

The import process in detail

Select the car and verify the VIN and build origin. Pull a Carfax or AutoCheck history for accidents, title status and odometer consistency. Secure the purchase through escrow rather than a direct wire to an unknown seller. Book roll-on/roll-off or container ocean freight to a North Sea port. Clear German customs on arrival. Present the car for TUEV individual approval with any required lighting and instrument changes completed. Register it locally. USCar Trader coordinates the chain as your broker while you remain the buyer of record.

What customs clearance really costs

Key point: duty depends on the plant of build; only a VIN check secures the 0% rate. Import VAT of 19% applies regardless.

Two separate charges apply. The EU import duty depends on the actual country of manufacture: the 0% rate introduced on 1 July 2026 under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 applies only to cars of provable US origin. The Encore is built in South Korea, so it does not qualify for the US-origin 0% rate and is dutiable at the standard passenger-car rate of 10%. Separately, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) always applies. We never advertise duty-free import and we itemise both charges honestly, with no vehicle margin from USCar Trader.

TUEV, modifications and registration

Expected work is modest: adapt headlights to a compliant beam pattern, fit or activate a rear fog lamp, and have the odometer and displays assessed. Once the individual approval (Einzelabnahme) is issued, registration proceeds normally.

Check before you buy

Confirm the VIN matches the title and note the Korean build origin. Pull a full Carfax/AutoCheck. Inspect the underbody for rust and prefer dry-state cars. Verify oil-change and coolant service history for the 1.4 turbo. Check the touchscreen and AWD function. Confirm the title is clean rather than salvage or rebuilt.

Common questions

Can I import a used Buick Encore from the USA duty-free?

No. The Encore is Korean-built, so it does not qualify for the US-origin 0% duty; the standard 10% rate applies, plus the 19% import VAT.

Is the Buick Encore reliable?

Generally yes, provided the 1.4 turbo was serviced on time. Watch timing chain wear and coolant leaks on higher-mileage cars.

What is the difference between the Encore and Encore GX?

The GX is a separate, larger and newer model from 2020. This page covers the compact first-generation Encore.

Does the Encore have all-wheel drive?

An on-demand AWD option was available; most cars are front-wheel drive. AWD helps in winter but is not for off-road use.

Which Encore should I import?

Prefer a 2017-or-later car for the improved interior and 8-inch touchscreen with CarPlay and Android Auto.

How long does importing take?

Usually several weeks, driven mainly by ocean freight scheduling and TUEV appointment timing.

Does USCar Trader sell new Buick cars?

No. We are an independent broker for used US vehicles only, with no manufacturer partnership and no vehicle margin.

Ready to look? Browse Buick in the Carhub, compare related crossovers such as the Buick Encore GX, the Buick Envision and the larger Buick Enclave, or view current Encore listings.